BELLE — Laughter is returning to Padgett’s Place this fall as the Osage Arts Community’s comedy series makes its comeback. The first show is scheduled for Oct. 3, and headlining is a familiar face — comedian Lady Moe Joe, who quickly became a crowd favorite when she first performed in Belle last year.

The comedy series, hosted by comedian Micah Jeffries of Columbia, was launched in fall of 2024 through a partnership between the Osage Arts Community, Columbia-based comedian and artist Lisa Pockets, and Padgett’s Place. It brought live stand-up comedy to Padgett’s Place, giving Belle audiences a chance to enjoy professional performances close to home at no cost.

Lady Moe Joe said her connection with Belle was immediate.

“I became a town favorite. I love the people and connected with them and made them laugh and came off as one of the buddies. I love the town getting together and supporting one another. I ended up using one of the fans as a vendor for my merchandise. I know all about that small town love since I graduated from Montgomery County R-2. I’m down with the small town country life,” she said.

Lady Moe Joe began her comedy career in June 2019, though she claims she has been funny her whole life. 

“I have been doing comedy since June 2019 on a stage, but been funny my whole life,” she said.

Her inspiration came after attending a comedy show with friends.

“One night at a bar after a comedy show I said, ‘I can do that.’ One of my long-term friends and the bar owner started laughing and said, ‘Oh Moe, you’re really going to be up there talking (expletive deleted)?’ I said, ‘Yep, sure am,’ and boom — I asked the comedians who had just performed and they said start with an open mic first. I told my mom and she said I should have been doing that,” she explained.

Her mother remains one of her biggest supporters, often in the crowd laughing right along with everyone else.

“My mom is one of the main topics and people just love it because she is right there in the crowd laughing with them. We call her ‘Momma Security,’” she said.

Lady Moe Joe describes her comedy as rooted in real life.

“I am definitely a storyteller and do great crowd work off observation. I talk about everyday life,” she said. “I am that friend to everyone. I talk to everyone like we’ve known one another for years and I just tell them about my life experience and observations I’ve made over the years.”

As for her influences, she said, “I love the originals, Bernie Mac number one, Eddie Murphy and Richard Prior, Jim Carey. They were raw and uncut. I love new comics too, but I don’t have a favorite. I just enjoy a good laugh.”

Comedy has its obstacles, particularly for women, but Lady Moe Joe said she has learned to embrace the challenge.

“As a woman with a mouth like a sailor, I might not be looked upon much but I like the environments such as bars to let loose in,” she said. “That is what people come out for, is to have a good time and have no worries or have to be politically correct. Laughter is medicine, truly, and I choose to laugh over crying.”

She also acknowledged the practical challenges of balancing comedy with full-time work.

“I feel my biggest challenge is working a 9-5 still and not available to travel more, or having time to reach out to book myself,” she said. “I get booked by recommendations the most. You treat people good and put good vibes in the atmosphere, it will come back ten fold.”

Lady Moe Joe has no shortage of ambitions.

“This lady needs to be on the big screen. I need to be in somebody’s comedy show, or my own,” she said.

She once hosted a podcast called “Life’s a comedy, let’s talk about it,” which she hopes to restart when she has time.

“I am in the middle of finishing a book, it’s not about comedy but it should be. Stay tuned,” she added.

Asked what advice she would give to aspiring comedians, Lady Moe Joe said, “Do what you love. Don’t get into it if you’re not truly into making people laugh and enjoy life. As a woman, stay strong and firm and have morals. Write, write, write and if you just be you it should flow smoothly. Open mics is where to begin. You never know who is there scouting, or will book you for their next event. Know your crowd, not all your jokes will work for each crowd, find out where you are going and the type of people that frequent there. Start now, don’t wait!”

Even with years of experience, she admitted the nerves never fully go away.

“I still have anxiety attacks from time to time and I have been on plenty of stages and talk to just about anyone on a day to day. I’m my worst critic and always aim to please,” she said.

In Belle, even the mayor found himself woven into Lady Moe Joe’s set. When she learned that Mayor James (Pudd) Mitchell’s nickname was well-known in town, it became a recurring bit that had the audience roaring.

“The town gave me the nickname Chocolate Puddin’ (expletive deleted) based off me teasing him, because they all told me his nickname was Puddin’ (expletive deleted) and it became an ongoing joke every time I have come,” she said. “He would blush but discreetly laugh and always tell me I did good at the end when we talked. It’s best to join in and laugh at yourself so it doesn’t hurt your feelings. Also, laughing is contagious — if you’re laughing, it makes others laugh,” she said.